U.S. patent number 10,254,735 [Application Number 15/051,160] was granted by the patent office on 2019-04-09 for network system and method for controlling the same.
This patent grant is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. The grantee listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS, INC.. Invention is credited to Daehyun Choi, Jusu Kim, Sangwon Kim, Kyoungteak Lee.
![](/patent/grant/10254735/US10254735-20190409-D00000.png)
![](/patent/grant/10254735/US10254735-20190409-D00001.png)
![](/patent/grant/10254735/US10254735-20190409-D00002.png)
![](/patent/grant/10254735/US10254735-20190409-D00003.png)
![](/patent/grant/10254735/US10254735-20190409-D00004.png)
![](/patent/grant/10254735/US10254735-20190409-D00005.png)
![](/patent/grant/10254735/US10254735-20190409-D00006.png)
![](/patent/grant/10254735/US10254735-20190409-D00007.png)
United States Patent |
10,254,735 |
Kim , et al. |
April 9, 2019 |
Network system and method for controlling the same
Abstract
A network system and a method for controlling the same include
where a power consumption amount of an electrical appliance is
monitored based on an operation of the electrical appliance. If a
demand response (DR) signal for requesting power saving is
received, it is determined whether a user is to participate in a DR
event for a power-saving operation of the electrical appliance. If
it is determined that the user is to participate in the DR event,
the power-saving operation of the electrical appliance is performed
based on previously mapped information on a discomfort caused by
the power-saving operation of the electrical appliance.
Inventors: |
Kim; Jusu (Seoul,
KR), Kim; Sangwon (Seoul, KR), Choi;
Daehyun (Seoul, KR), Lee; Kyoungteak (Seoul,
KR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS, INC. |
Seoul |
N/A |
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. (Seoul,
KR)
|
Family
ID: |
55405117 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/051,160 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2016 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160266562 A1 |
Sep 15, 2016 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2015 [KR] |
|
|
10-2015-0033966 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05B
19/048 (20130101); H04L 12/12 (20130101); H04L
12/2803 (20130101); F24F 5/0096 (20130101); Y04S
20/222 (20130101); Y04S 20/242 (20130101); F24F
11/46 (20180101); Y02B 70/30 (20130101); Y04S
20/244 (20130101); G05B 2219/2639 (20130101); H02J
2310/64 (20200101); H02J 2310/14 (20200101); F24F
2140/50 (20180101); Y02D 30/50 (20200801); Y04S
50/10 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G05D
17/00 (20060101); H04L 12/12 (20060101); G05B
19/048 (20060101); H04L 12/28 (20060101); F24F
5/00 (20060101); H02J 3/14 (20060101); F24F
11/46 (20180101) |
Field of
Search: |
;700/291 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
103472785 |
|
Dec 2013 |
|
CN |
|
2416465 |
|
Feb 2012 |
|
EP |
|
2014-115878 |
|
Jun 2014 |
|
JP |
|
10-2011-0067201 |
|
Jun 2011 |
|
KR |
|
1020110114437 |
|
Oct 2011 |
|
KR |
|
1020130124499 |
|
Nov 2013 |
|
KR |
|
2010/042550 |
|
Apr 2010 |
|
WO |
|
Primary Examiner: Hoang; Huan
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Dentons US LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for controlling a network system, the method
comprising: monitoring a power consumption amount of an electrical
appliance, based on an operation of the electrical appliance; if a
demand response (DR) signal for requesting power saving is
received, determining whether a user is to participate in a DR
event for a power-saving operation of the electrical appliance; and
if it is determined that the user is to participate in the DR
event, performing the power-saving operation of the electrical
appliance, based on a mapped information on a discomfort caused by
the power-saving operation of the electrical appliance, wherein the
method further comprises setting information on the discomfort
having a plurality of discomfort levels, based on a set factor,
wherein the set factor includes at least one of external
temperature information, an operating time or a number of use times
of the electrical appliance, and weather information, in a state in
which the information on the discomfort is set, learning
information on a use pattern corresponding to the operation of the
electrical appliance, and learning external information transmitted
from an energy supplier or an external database, wherein the
information on the use pattern includes a power consumption amount
of the electrical appliance, an operating time of the electrical
appliance, or a number of operating times of the electrical
appliance, and the external information includes time information,
weather information, or temperature information, wherein the method
further comprises: downgrading a level of the set factor if the DR
signal is received and the user is to participate in the DR event,
upgrading the level of the set factor if the DR signal is received
and the user does not participate in the DR event, and maintaining
the level of the set factor if the DR signal is received, the user
does not participate in the DR event and a value of the level of
the set factor is a specific value.
2. The method according to claim 1, comprising: if the DR signal is
received, calculating a predicted power consumption amount of the
electrical appliance to be saved; and determining information on a
predicted incentive corresponding to the saved power consumption
amount.
3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising determining
whether the user could participate in the DR event, based on the
calculated predicted power consumption of the electrical
appliance.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, if it is determined
that the user is to turn off the electrical appliance so as to
achieve a saved power consumption amount requested in the DR
signal, it is determined that the user's participation in the DR
event is impossible.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mapped information
on the discomfort includes information graded based on a discomfort
degree for each user.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the electrical
appliance includes a plurality of electrical appliances, and
wherein, when the power-saving operation for power saving is
performed, a discomfort level of one electrical appliance and a
discomfort level of another electrical appliance are determined to
be different from each other.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the performing of the
power-saving operation of the electrical appliance includes
performing a power-saving operation on an electrical appliance
having a relatively low discomfort level among the plurality of
electrical appliances.
8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, if it is
determined that the user is to participate in the DR event,
displaying information on a kind of an electrical appliance on
which a power-saving operation is to be performed, information on a
time period where the DR event is performed, information on a
possible power-saving amount, or information on an incentive
corresponding to power saving.
9. The method according to claim 4, further comprising, if it is
determined that the user's participation in the DR event is
impossible, outputting guide information for determining whether
the electrical appliance is to be turned off.
10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, if the
power-saving operation of the electrical appliance is performed as
the user participates in the DR event, displaying information on an
actual power-saving amount and information on an incentive to be
provided.
11. The method according to claim 5, wherein the information graded
based on the discomfort degree for each user is manually input.
12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising, when the
incentive is equal to or greater than a set cost, inputting a
command for allowing the user to participate in the DR event
regardless of the discomfort level.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35
U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0033966 (filed
on Mar. 11, 2015), which is incorporated by reference in its
entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND
The present disclosure relates to a network system and a method for
controlling the same.
In general, electrical appliances provided in homes include
washers, refrigerators, cookers, cleaners, etc. With the
development of communication technology, a plurality of electrical
appliances provided in a home can be connected to a network.
In addition, a user can monitor operating statuses of the plurality
of electrical appliances connected to the network or control an
operation of each of the plurality of electrical appliances by
using a predetermined terminal even outdoors. As a network system
of electrical appliances is implemented, IT technology is added to
a home environment, so that it is possible to build a smart home
that enables users to live a convenient life.
The present applicant has filed an application (hereinafter,
referred to as a prior art) related to such smart home
technology.
1. Application number (filing date) of prior art: 10-2003-0093196
(Dec. 18, 2003)
2. Title of disclosure: Method for controlling smart washer using
the home network
Meanwhile, when a user desires to purchase an electrical appliance,
power consumption or electric charges of the electric appliance
occupies a considerable weight. In this case, the power-saving
performance of the electrical appliance is important. However, it
is also important whether a device capable of efficiently managing
power used in homes is provided in the electrical appliance.
Particularly, there is required a device or method for providing an
effective countermeasure when a signal for power saving, i.e., a
demand response (DR) signal is received from an energy supplier due
to a crisis of power supply.
However, according to the above-described prior art, it is limited
to save power while minimizing user's inconvenience in response to
the DR signal.
SUMMARY
Embodiments provide a network system and a method for controlling
the same, which can guide a user to save power of electrical
appliances while reducing user's inconvenience.
In one embodiment, a method for controlling a network system
includes: monitoring a power consumption amount of an electrical
appliance, based on an operation of the electrical appliance; if a
demand response (DR) signal for requesting power saving is
received, determining whether a user is to participate in a DR
event for a power-saving operation of the electrical appliance; and
if it is determined that the user is to participate in the DR
event, performing the power-saving operation of the electrical
appliance, based on previously mapped information on a discomfort
caused by the power-saving operation of the electrical
appliance.
The method may include: if the DR signal is received, calculating a
predicted power consumption amount of the electrical appliance to
be saved; and determining information on a predicted incentive
corresponding to the saved power consumption amount.
The method may further include determining whether the user is to
participate in the DR event, based on the calculated predicted
power consumption of the electrical appliance.
If it is determined that the user is to turn off the electrical
appliance so as to achieve a saved power consumption amount
requested in the DR signal, it may be determined that the user's
participation in the DR event is impossible.
The previously mapped information on the discomfort may include
information graded based on a discomfort degree for each user.
The electrical appliance may include a plurality of electrical
appliances. When the power-saving operation for power saving is
performed, a discomfort level of one electrical appliance and a
discomfort level of another electrical appliance may be determined
to be different from each other.
The performing of the power-saving operation of the electrical
appliance may include performing a power-saving operation on an
electrical appliance having a relatively low discomfort level among
the plurality of electrical appliances.
The method may further include, if it is determined that the user
is to participate in the DR event, displaying information on the
kind of an electrical appliance on which a power-saving operation
is to be performed, information on a time section where the DR
event is performed, information on a possible power-saving amount,
or information on an incentive corresponding to power saving.
The method may further include, if it is determined that the user's
participation in the DR event is impossible, outputting guide
information for determining whether the electrical appliance is to
be turned off.
The method may further include, if the power-saving operation of
the electrical appliance is performed as the user participates in
the DR event, displaying information on an actual power-saving
amount and information on an incentive to be provided.
The method may further include setting information on a discomfort
having a plurality of levels, based on a previously set factor.
The method may further include: in a state in which the information
on the discomfort is set, learning information on a use pattern
corresponding to an operation of the electrical appliance; and
learning external information transmitted from an energy supplier
or an external database.
The information on the use pattern may include a power consumption
amount of the electrical appliance, an operating time of the
electrical appliance, or a number of operating times of the
electrical appliance, and the external information may include time
information, weather information, or temperature information.
If the DR signal is received, the information on the discomfort may
be maintained or changed based on the information on the use
pattern of the electrical appliance, the external information, and
whether the user is to participate in the DR event.
The previously set factor may include at least one of external
temperature information, an operating time or a number of use times
of the electrical appliance, and weather information.
The information graded based on the discomfort degree for each user
may be manually input.
The method may further include, when the incentive is equal to or
greater than a set cost, inputting a command for allowing the user
to participate in the DR event regardless of the discomfort
level.
The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network
system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the
network system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for setting discomfort
levels for each electrical appliance according to the
embodiment.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts illustrating a method for performing a
power-saving operation of an electrical appliance, based on a
demand response (DR), according to the embodiment.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating configurations of a
display unit of a mobile device according to another
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the
present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. In the following description, detailed
explanation of known related functions and constitutions may be
omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject manner of the
present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, like elements are
designated by like reference numerals.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network
system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram
illustrating a configuration of the network system according to the
embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the network system 10 according to the
embodiment a plurality of electrical appliances 60 provided in a
house (or home) and an energy management system 50 capable of
monitoring operational information of the plurality of electrical
appliances 60 or controlling operations of the plurality of
electrical appliances 60. For example, the plurality of electrical
appliances 60 may include a refrigerator 60a, a washer 60b, an air
conditioner 60c, a TV 60d, a cooker 60e, etc. Although not shown in
these figures, the plurality of electrical appliances 60 may
further include an illuminator.
The energy management system 50 may be provided as an independent
device separated from the plurality of electrical appliances 60, or
may be mounted in any one of the plurality of electrical appliances
60. For example, the energy management system 50 may be mounted in
the TV 60d.
The network system 10 may further include an energy supplier 20
provided to be communicable with the energy management system 50,
the energy supplier 20 supplying power to the plurality of
electrical appliances 60 provided in the house.
The energy supplier 20 may transmit, to the energy management
system 50, information on power, i.e., information on power supply
or information on power cost. For example, the energy supplier 20
may transmit, to the energy management system 50, information that
as the current demand for power increases, the power supply is
unstable and the power cost is expensive or information that as the
current demand for power decreases, power supply is stable and the
power cost is inexpensive.
Also, the energy supplier 20 may transmit a demand response (DR)
signal to the energy management system 50. Here, the DR signal
refers to a signal capable of being transmitted to a user side,
i.e., the energy management system 50 or the electrical appliance
60 when it is required to save power consumption due to a crisis of
power supply.
When the DR signal is received, the user side may determine whether
to participate in a DR event by accepting a request for power
saving. When the user side performs a power-saving operation by
participating in the DR event, the energy supplier 20 may provide
an incentive to the user side, based on a power-saving amount.
The energy supplier 20 and the energy management system 50 may
transmit or receive information to or from each other through a
first communication interface 81. For example, the first
communication interface 81 may include Ethernet or Internet as a
short-range communication network.
The network system 10 may further include an external database 30
provided to be communicable with the energy management system 50.
The energy management system 50 and the external database 30 may
transmit or receive information to or from each other through a
second communication interface 82. For example, the second
communication interface 82 may include Ethernet or Internet.
The energy management system 50 may receive, from the external
database 30, information not stored in the energy management system
50 or the plurality of electrical appliances 60, i.e., external
information, through communication connection with the external
database 30. For example, the external information may include
information on time, weather, temperature, etc.
The network system 10 may further include a mobile device 100
capable of being operated by a user. The user may be
communicatively connected to the energy management system 50 by
using the mobile device 100. The user may monitor operational
information of the plurality of electrical appliances 60 or
controlling operations of the plurality of electrical appliances 60
by using the mobile device 100. The mobile device 100 may include a
display device for displaying operational information of the
electrical appliances 60.
Specifically, the mobile device 100 and the energy management
system 50 may be communicatively connected to each other through a
third communication interface 83. For example, the third
communication interface 83 may include Internet.
The network system 10 may further include a gateway 70 for
connecting the energy management system 50 and the plurality of
electrical appliances 60 to communicate each other. For example,
the gateway 70 may include an access point (AP). The energy
management system 50 and the gateway 70 may be communicatively
connected to each other through a fourth communication interface
84. For example, the fourth communication interface 84 may include
WiFi.
The energy management system 50 is communicatively connected to the
plurality of electrical appliances 60 through the gateway 70, to
receive operational information of the plurality of electrical
appliances 60, e.g., power use information. Meanwhile, the mobile
device 100 may be connected to the energy management system 50 or
the plurality of electrical appliances 60 through the gateway
70.
As described above, various communication schemes have been
proposed as the first to fourth communication interfaces 81, 82,
83, and 84, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
Another communication scheme, i.e., Bluetooth, Ad-hoc, Zigbee, or
the like may be used as long as it can network the component 20,
30, 50, 60, 70, and 100 of the network system 10.
The energy management system 50 may include a first communication
module 51 communicatively connected to the energy supplier 20, the
external database 30, the mobile device 100 or the gateway 70. The
first communication module 51 may be configured with one or more
devices connectable to the first to fourth communication interfaces
81, 82, 83, and 84.
The energy management system 50 may further include a first memory
unit 52 for storing information related to operations of the
plurality of electrical appliances 60. For example, the first
memory unit 52 may store information on use patterns of the
electrical appliances 60 as described in the following Table 1. The
information on use patterns of the electrical appliances 60 may
include information on use times of the electrical appliances,
energy consumption amounts of the electrical appliances, control
factors of the electrical appliances, and energy-saving amounts of
the electrical appliances.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Air conditioner Refrigerator Washer Use time
13:00~18:00 Always 07:00~11:00 18:00~21:00 Energy Large Large Small
consumption amount Control factor Temperature Defrosting &
Washing cycle additional function Energy-saving Large Middle Small
amount
Specifically, referring to Table 1, the first memory unit 52 of the
energy management system 50 may store information on use times of
the plurality of electrical appliances 60. For example, the first
memory unit 52 may store that the use time of the air conditioner
is 13:00 to 18:00, the refrigerator is always operated, and the use
time of the washer is 07:00 to 11:00 and 18:00 to 21:00.
The use time of the electrical appliance 60 may be determined based
on an operating time used within a set period. For example, the set
period may be one month or one week. In addition, the start point
and end point of the use time, based on one day, may be determined
based on the earliest time value and the latest time value of a
plurality of time sections within the set period.
The first memory unit 52 may store an energy consumption amount of
each electrical appliance 60, i.e., a power consumption amount of
each electrical appliance 60. For example, the energy consumption
amounts of the air conditioner and the refrigerator may be
relatively large, and the energy consumption amount of the washer
may be relatively small. It may be determined, based on a set power
amount, whether the energy consumption amount is large or
small.
The first memory unit 52 may store information on a control factor
of each electrical appliance 60. Here, the control factor refers to
a factor manually controlled by a user or self-controlled by the
electrical appliance 60. For example, the control factor of the air
conditioner may be "temperature," the control factor of the
refrigerator may be "defrosting and additional function," and the
control factor of the washer may be "washing cycle."
The first memory unit 52 may store information on energy-saving
amounts (power-saving amounts) obtained by controlling the control
factors. For example, the energy-saving amount of the air
conditioner may be relatively large by controlling the
"temperature" as the control factor of the air conditioner, the
energy-saving amount of the refrigerator may be relatively middle
by controlling the "defrosting and additional function" as the
control factor of the refrigerator, and the energy saving of the
washer may be relatively small by controlling the "washing cycle"
as the control factor of the washer.
The first memory unit 52 may further store information obtained by
grading and mapping factors that cause users to feel discomfort
according to users' propensities.
For example, in the case of a specific electrical appliance, a user
may sensitively react with temperature information, e.g., an
external temperature, to control an operation of the electrical
appliance, and another user may sensitively react an operating time
or a number of use times rather than the temperature information,
to control an operation of the electrical appliance. In addition,
still another user may sensitively react weather information
(sunny, cloudy, and rainy), to control an operation of the
electrical appliance.
As such, degrees (discomforts) where users feel discomfort about a
specific factor are different according to users' propensities.
Therefore, factors that may cause users to feel discomfort for each
electrical appliance may be previously determined, a level may be
provided for each factor, and information on the factors having
levels may be stored in the first memory unit 52. When a DR signal
is received from the energy supplier 20, the energy management
system 50 may guide whether a user is to participate in a DR event
or control a power-saving operation of the electrical appliance,
based on the stored information on discomfort levels.
As an example, as shown in the following Table 2, the factors that
may cause users to feel discomfort in the air conditioner may
include external temperature/humidity information, time
information, and weather information. In addition, a factor to be
most kept in mind when the operation of the air conditioner is
controlled may be changed for each user. Therefore, the factor may
be set to a discomfort level where users are to be ready to suffer
the discomfort.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Air conditioner Discomfort level Level Level
1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 LEVEL 4 Discomfort [External [Time [Weather
Another factor temperature/ information] information] condition
humidity] 12:00~15:00 Rainy 30.degree. C./70% or more
Referring to Table 2, in the air conditioner, the discomfort
factors that cause users to feel comfort may include external
temperature/humidity, time information, and weather information.
For example, if the external temperature/humidity is 30.degree.
C./70% or more, the external temperature/humidity may be Level 1
where a user may feel a relatively greatest discomfort. If the time
information is 12:00 to 15:00, the time information may be Level 2
where the discomfort is slightly reduced as compared with Level
1.
If the weather information is in a state of "rainy," the weather
information may be Level 3 where the discomfort is slightly reduced
as compared with Level 2. A condition except Levels 1 to 3 is
defined as Level 4 where the discomfort is relatively weakest.
The external temperature/humidity may be recognized through a
sensor provided in the air conditioner or the external database 30.
The time information and the weather information may be recognized
through the external database 30.
Thus, if the condition at the time when a DR signal is received
from the energy supplier 20 belongs to Levels 1 to 4, the energy
management system 50 can recognize the corresponding discomfort
level and guide the recognized information to a user.
When a user participates in a DR event, it is inevitable that a
discomfort will be caused. However, the possibility or availability
where the user is ready to suffer the discomfort may be changed
depending on a level of the discomfort.
For example, if the condition at the time when a DR signal is
received from the energy supplier 20 belongs to Level 4, the user
may be easily ready to suffer the discomfort and participate in the
DR event. On the other hand, if the condition at the time when a DR
signal is received from the energy supplier 20 belongs to Level 1,
the user is not easily ready to suffer the discomfort, and
therefore, may determine not to participate in the DR event.
As another example, as shown in the following Table 3, the factors
that may cause users to feel discomfort in the refrigerator may
include indoor temperature/humidity information, food deterioration
information, and season information. In addition, a factor to be
most kept in mind when the operation of the refrigerator is
controlled may be changed for each user. Therefore, the factor may
be set to a discomfort level where users are to be ready to suffer
the discomfort.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Refrigerator Discomfort level Level Level 1
LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 LEVEL 4 Discomfort [Indoor [Food [Weather Another
factor temperature/ deterioration information] condition humidity]
information] Summer 30.degree. C./70% Attention state or more of
viruses/ bacteria
Referring to Table 3, in the refrigerator, the discomfort factors
that cause users to feel comfort may include indoor
temperature/humidity, food deterioration information, and weather
information. For example, if the indoor temperature/humidity is
28.degree. C./70% or more, the indoor temperature/humidity may be
Level 1 where a user may feel a relatively greatest discomfort. If
an attentional state in which viruses/bacteria are actively
propagated becomes effective with respect to the food deterioration
information, the food deterioration information may be Level 2
where the discomfort is slightly reduced as compared with Level
1.
If the weather information is "summer," the weather information may
be Level 3 where the discomfort is slightly reduced as compared
with Level 2. A condition except Levels 1 to is defined as Level 4
where the discomfort is relatively weakest.
The indoor temperature/humidity information, the food deterioration
information, and the weather information may be recognized through
the external database 30.
Thus, if the condition at the time when a DR signal is received
from the energy supplier 20 belongs to Levels 1 to 4, the energy
management system 50 can recognize the corresponding discomfort
level and guide the recognized information to a user.
For example, if the condition at the time when a DR signal is
received from the energy supplier 20 belongs to Level 4, the user
may be easily ready to suffer the discomfort and participate in the
DR event. On the other hand, if the condition at the time when a DR
signal is received from the energy supplier 20 belongs to Level 1,
the user is not easily ready to suffer the discomfort, and
therefore, may determine not to participate in the DR event.
Mapping information on discomfort levels for each factor
corresponding to Tables 2 and 3 may be manually set by a user, or
may be automatically set as previously set information. It will be
apparent that the set mapping information may be changed later
depending on a use pattern of the air conditioner or the
refrigerator or whether a user is to participate in a DR event.
In the embodiment, the discomfort levels in the air conditioner and
the refrigerator have been described through Tables 2 and 3.
However, discomfort levels in the washer, the illuminator, or the
TV may be set by changing factors that cause users to feel
discomfort.
The energy management system 50 may further include a first display
unit 53 capable of displaying information on power consumption
amounts of the plurality of electrical appliances 60, based on
operational information of the plurality of electrical appliances
60. Information on DR signals received from the energy supplier 20
may be displayed on the first display unit 53.
Each of the plurality of electrical appliances 60 may include a
second communication module 61 communicatively connected to the
gateway 70, a second memory unit 62 for storing information related
to an operation of the electrical appliance 60, a second display
unit 63 for displaying information related to an operation of the
electrical appliance 60, and a second control unit 65 for
controlling the operation of the electrical appliance 60.
The network system 10 may further include a self-power generator 90
capable of self-generating power in the home. For example, the
self-power generator 90 may include a solar cell, a battery, a wind
power generator, etc.
The power required to operate the electrical appliances 60 is first
supplied from the self-power generator 90. When power is
insufficient, the insufficient power may be supplied from the
energy supplier 20.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for setting discomfort
levels for each electrical appliance according to the
embodiment.
DR discomfort setting control is started (S11). For example, a
predetermined input for setting discomfort levels may be performed
through a display device provided in the energy management system
50, any one of the plurality of electrical appliances 60, or the
mobile device 100.
Information on discomfort levels for each electrical appliance may
be initially set (S12). As an example, a user may manually input
information corresponding to the information mapped to Tables 2 and
3. Specifically, the user may input information through an input
device. The input device may include an input unit provided in the
energy management system 50, each of the plurality of electrical
appliances 60, or the mobile device 100. As another example,
although the user does not input information, previously determined
initial setting information on discomfort levels may be
recognized.
A plurality of electrical appliances 60 may be operated in the
state in which the discomfort levels are initially set. The
plurality of electrical appliances 60 may be operated during a set
period, and a use pattern of each electrical appliance 60 may be
learned (S13). For example, information on the use pattern may
include information on a power consumption amount of the electrical
appliance, an operating time of the electrical appliance, or a
number of use times of the electrical appliance.
In the process of operating the plurality of electrical appliances
60, external information transmitted from the energy supplier 20 or
the external database 30 may be learned.
As an example, if an external temperature is equal to or greater
than a predetermined temperature, the user may turn on the air
conditioner to perform a cooling operation, and information that a
power consumption amount of A is used may be learned. As another
example, if an external humidity is equal to or greater than a
predetermined humidity, information that the washer is not operated
may be learned.
As still another example, information that the opening of a door of
the refrigerator is concentrated on 07:00 to 09:00 and 17:00 to
20:00 may be learned.
As such, in the process of performing the operation of the
electrical appliance 60 and the learning of the use pattern, it may
be recognized whether a DR signal has been received from the energy
supplier 20 (S14). The DR signal may include information for
requesting the user to save a power consumption amount due to a
crisis of power supply. For example, the DR signal may include
information that "the power consumption amount in the home should
be maintained to 50 KWh or less from 13:00 to 15:00 today" and
information that "when the power consumption amount is saved by
participating in a DR event, its incentive is 200 won (Korean
currency)/KWh."
The energy management system 50 determines whether to perform a
power-saving operation of the electrical appliance in response to
the signal for power saving, based on a current power consumption
amount in the home. If it is recognized that the power consumption
amount (50 KWh) is to be achieved by performing the power-saving
operation, the energy management system 50 determines a power
consumption amount to be used in each electrical appliance and
determines an operating method of the electrical appliance, based
on the determined power consumption amount.
If the operating method of the electrical appliance is determined,
a user's discomfort may be caused. Based on the information mapped
in Tables 2 and 3, discomfort levels to be caused through the
power-saving operation of each electrical appliance are determined.
The energy management system 50 may guide, to the user, information
on discomfort levels where the user is to be ready to suffer the
discomfort when participating in a DR event.
The user may determine whether to participate in the DR event,
based on the guided information on discomfort levels. Although
power cost increases and the user acquires no incentive, the user
may not feel the discomfort. Therefore, the user may not
participate in the DR event.
As such, the user may participate or may not participate in the DR
event and then control the operation of the electrical appliance
(S15). After it is determined whether the user is to participate in
the DR event, the use pattern of the electrical appliance may be
again learned.
After the power-saving operation for power saving is performed in
response to the DR signal, the discomfort level for each electrical
appliance may be maintained or changed based on information on
whether the user is to participate in the DR event and information
on the learning of the use pattern of the electrical appliance
(S16).
For example, when the user participates in the DR event, based on
the discomfort level determined by the power-saving operation of
the electrical appliance, the level of a corresponding factor may
be downgraded. That is, when the level of the corresponding factor
is Level 1, the level may be downgraded to Level 2. When the level
of the corresponding factor is Level 3, the level may be downgraded
to Level 4.
On the other hand, when the user does not participate in the DR
event, based on the discomfort level determined by the power-saving
operation of the electrical appliance, the level of the
corresponding factor may be upgraded. That is, when the level of
the corresponding factor is Level 3, the level may be upgraded to
Level 2. When the level of the corresponding factor is Level 4, the
level may be upgraded to Level 3. It will be apparent that when the
level of the corresponding factor is Level 1, the level may be
maintained.
Specifically, in the air conditioner, when the user participates in
the DR event even though the discomfort level is Level 1 because
the external temperature at the time when the DR signal is received
is 31.degree. C., the condition of Level 1, i.e., the condition of
external temperature/humidity in Table 2 may be changed to Level
2.
In the refrigerator, when the food deterioration information
related to Level 2 at the time when the DR signal is received
becomes effective as an "attentional state of viruses/bacteria,"
and the user participates in the DR event, the condition of Level
2, i.e., the condition of food deterioration information may be
changed to Level 1.
Meanwhile, when the DR signal is received, the user may input
intensive information as a condition in which the user participates
in the DR event regardless of the discomfort level. For example,
when the intensive is provided as 300 won/KWh, the user may input a
command that the user is to participate in the DR event regardless
of the discomfort level.
As described above, discomfort levels are previously graded and
mapped according to users' propensities, and information on
discomfort levels where a user is to be ready to suffer discomfort
when the user participate in a DR event is provided, so that it is
possible to assist the user to determine whether to participate in
the DR event. Thus, it is possible to perform a power-saving
operation of an electrical appliance by considering a user's
discomfort.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts illustrating a method for performing a
power-saving operation of an electrical appliance, based on a DR,
according to the embodiment. FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams
illustrating configurations of a display unit of a mobile device
according to another embodiment. A method for performing a
power-saving operation of an electrical appliance will be described
with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.
A DR control mode is started (S21). A predetermined input for
performing the DR control mode may be performed through the display
device provided in the energy management system 50, any one of the
plurality of electrical appliances 60, or the mobile device
100.
If the DR control mode is performed, the plurality of electrical
appliances 60 may be operated. In this process, a use pattern of
each electrical appliance 60 may be learned. For example,
information on the use pattern may include information on a power
consumption amount of the electrical appliance, an operating time
of the electrical appliance, or a number of use times of the
electrical appliance. Particularly, a power consumption amount
corresponding to the operation of the electrical appliance 60 may
be monitored (S22).
It may be recognized whether a DR signal has been received from an
energy supplier 20 (S23). If the DR signal is received, a control
mode of the electrical appliance for power saving is determined to
achieve power saving in response to the DR signal.
For example, if the air conditioner is being operated, a user may
control a set temperature to be increased (in a cooling operation)
or decreased (in a heating operation) by a first set value. If the
refrigerator is being operated, the user may control set
temperatures of refrigerating and freezing rooms of the
refrigerator to be increased by a second set value.
If the user is watching the TV, the user may control the intensity
of illumination of the TV to be decreased. If the washer is being
operated, the user may control cycles of the washer to be performed
after a time section to which the DR signal is applied.
If the control mode of the electrical appliance 60 is determined, a
power consumption amount for each electrical appliance 60, where
the user is to participate in a DR event may be calculated (S24).
That is, a predicted power consumption amount to be saved for each
electrical appliance 60 may be calculated, and the calculated power
consumption amounts may be collected. In addition, predicted
incentive information corresponding to the save power consumption
amount may be determined.
As described above, when a power-saving operation of the electrical
appliance 60 is performed, discomfort levels where the user is to
be ready to suffer discomfort may be determined (S24). That is,
information on discomfort levels in the power-saving operation of
each electrical appliance may be determined and collected based on
the information on discomfort levels mapped in Tables 2 and 3.
As the saved power consumption amount is calculated, it may be
determined whether the user is to participate in the DR event
(S25). For example, there may occur a case where at least one of
the plurality of electrical appliances 60 being currently operated
is to be turned off so as to achieve a saved power consumption
amount requested in the DR signal. In this case, it is determined
that the user has difficulty in participating in the DR event.
On the other hand, when the saved power consumption amount is
achieved through the power-saving operation of the electrical
appliances without turning off the at least one electrical
appliance, it is determined that the user is to participate in the
DR event.
When it is determined that the user is to participate in the DR
event, the user may perform an input for participating in the DR
event. For example, a predetermined input for participating in the
DR event may be performed through the display device provided in
the energy management system 50, any one of the plurality of
electrical appliances 60, or the mobile device 100.
Referring to FIG. 6A, a message for asking a user to participate in
a DR event may be output on a display unit 120 provided in the
mobile device 100. The display unit 120 may further include an
input unit through which the user can select to "participate" in
the DR event or "reject" the DR event with respect to the
message.
The user may select the "participation" through the input unit to
participate in the DR event, or may select the "rejection" through
the input unit not to participate in the DR event (S26).
If the input for participating in the DR event is performed, a DR
power-saving operation for minimizing user's discomfort may be
performed.
Specifically, a plurality of control modes of the electrical
appliances may be derived to achieve the saved power consumption
amount in response to the DR signal. For example, the saved power
consumption amount may be achieved through power-saving operations
of the washer and the refrigerator. Also, the saved power
consumption amount may be achieved through power-saving operations
of the air conditioner and the illuminator.
In this case, discomfort levels for each electrical appliance may
be considered. If it is assumed that each of the discomfort levels
of the washer and the refrigerator is Level 1 when the saved power
consumption amount is achieved through the power-saving operations
of the washer and the refrigerator, and each of the discomfort
levels of the air conditioner and the illuminator is Level 2 when
the saved power consumption amount is achieved through the
power-saving operations of the air conditioner and the illuminator,
it may be determined to perform the power-saving operations of the
air conditioner and the illuminator.
That is, among a plurality of selectable power-saving operation
modes, a power-saving operation of an electrical appliance having a
low discomfort level may be determined and performed according to a
user's propensity.
Information on the determined power-saving operation may be
displayed on the display unit 120.
Specifically, if the user selects "participation" through the input
unit on the display unit 120 as shown in FIG. 6A, information on
the kind of an electrical appliance for the power saving operation,
information on a time section where the DR event is performed,
information on a possible power-saving amount, or information on an
incentive corresponding to power saving may be displayed on the
display unit 120 as shown in FIG. 6B.
For example, information on check marks indicating that the
power-saving operations of the air conditioner and the illuminator
are to be performed, information that the time section to which the
DR signal is applied corresponds to 13:00 to 14:00, 15 October,
information that a predicted power consumption amount to be saved
is 5 to 10 KW, or information that a predicted incentive
corresponding to the power saving is 2250 to 5500 won (550 won per
KW) may be displayed on the display unit 120.
In addition, information on discomfort levels where the user is to
be ready to suffer discomfort according to a power-saving operation
of each electrical appliance and information on power-saving
operations may be displayed on the display unit 120 (S27). For
example, information that the discomfort level corresponds to Level
2 and power-saving operation information that the set temperature
of the air conditioner is to be increased and the intensity of
illumination of the illuminator is to be decreased by 50% may be
displayed on the display unit 120.
If the time section for requesting the power saving elapses,
information (report) on an actual power-saving amount corresponding
to the power-saving operation of the electrical appliance 60 and an
actual incentive to be provided based on the power-saving amount
may be provided according to the DR signal (S28). For example, the
information on the actual power-saving amount and the actual
incentive may be displayed on the display unit 120 of the mobile
device 100.
Meanwhile, if it is recognized in step S25 that, since a saved
power consumption amount requested in the DR signal is large, at
least one of the plurality of electrical appliances 60 being
currently operated is to be turned off so as to achieve the saved
power consumption amount, it may be determined that the user has
difficulty in participating in the DR event.
In this case, guide information for allowing the user to
participate in the DR event may be provided to the user (S29). The
guide information may include information that, if the user turns
off at least one of the plurality of electrical appliances 60 to
stop an operation of the electrical appliance 60, the saved power
consumption amount requested in the DR signal can be achieved.
When the user agrees that the at least one electrical appliance 60
is turned off, subsequent steps from step S27 may be performed in
the state in which the at least one electrical appliance 60 is
turned off. In this case, which electrical appliance 60 is to be
turned off may be determined based on discomfort levels for each
electrical or a current power consumption amount.
As an example, an electrical appliance having the lowest discomfort
level in the time section to which the DR signal is applied may be
turned off. As another example, an electrical appliance having the
lowest current power consumption amount may be turned off.
On the other hand, when there is no user's agreement, the
power-saving operation of the electrical appliance may not be
performed without user's participation in the DR event (S30 and
S31).
According to the control method described above, a power-saving
operation of each electrical appliance can be performed by
considering a user's discomfort level, so that it is possible to
save energy while reducing user's discomfort.
According to embodiments, a factor that may have influence on a
user's discomfort are graded and set for each electrical appliance,
and a power-saving operation for saving power consumption of the
electrical appliance is performed based on the set factor, so that
it is possible to save energy while reducing user's discomfort.
Also, the graded factor can be maintained or changed based on
information on a learned use pattern of the electrical appliance
and information on whether a user is to participate in a DR event,
so that it is possible to set a discomfort level according to a
user's propensity.
Also, the user is provided with information on a graded discomfort
level and information on a power consumption amount to be saved and
an incentive, so that it is possible to allow the user to easily
determine whether to participate in the DR event.
Also, although it is recognized that the user has difficulty in
participating in the DR event by considering a current power
consumption amount and a power consumption amount to be saved when
a DR signal is received, the user can participate in the DR event
by turning off at least one electrical appliance, so that it is
possible to allow the user to make various selections.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number
of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that
numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *